Rouen Armada 2019

Celebrating its 30th anniversary, this key event in the international sailing calendar will bring together vistors from near and far with thousands of French and foreign sailors from 6 to 16 June 2019. Fifty magnificent tall ships, along with military boats and submarines from all over the world, will line Rouen's quaysides for ten days of celebrations, finishing with the parade along the River Seine.

Set sail to Rouen

Rouen Armada is one of the largest free-admission maritime events in the world with over 10 million visitors expected. In June 2019, the event promises to be bigger and better than ever before as the Armada will be celebrating its 30th anniversary.

Some 50 beautiful sailing ships from many countries will be berthed along the River Seine quaysides, from the Esplanade Saint-Gervais under the spectacular Pont Flaubert lift bridge to the Guillaume le Conquerant bridge upstream. In addition, there will also be several pleasure cruise boats, warships and even submarines to marvel at!

Let the party begin!

Day and night, the Armada village will come alive with concerts, gigantic fireworks and plenty of other entertainment. In previous years, the festival has hosted acclaimed national and international figures such as Iggy Pop, Mika or Madness, who got tens of thousands of spectators rocking on the docks.

Thousands of international sailors will fill the streets and party with the locals in the city's many bars and clubs. You'll even be able to touch the red pompom sitting on top of their hats. It is said to guarantee a boat-load of good luck!Visitors will also have many cafés, bars and restaurants to choose from, with international food and drink being served along the quaysides.

The Parade - a must-see

On the last day of the event, all of the ships will set out for a 120 km trip on the River Seine from Rouen to Le Havre, crossing towns and villages such as La Bouille, Duclair or Caudebec-en-Caux. You will often see sailors standing on the masts of their ship, providing a unique and unforgettable show. Hundreds of thousands of spectators will be watching from the riverbanks, and this long parade of ships will last for hours, as some vessels can take up to a whole day to sail to Le Havre.

Cruises

Many themed cruises will take place during ten days, including the musical cruise from Honfleur to Rouen, the firework cruise or the amazing cruise alongside the tall ships during the parade up the River Seine on the final day of the event. Watch this space!

Take a closer look

To give you a flavour of what you can experience during the next Armada, you can share and relive the best of the 2013 event through this short film: Armada 2013 - Rouen from Titouan Fournier on Vimeo.

There are many car parks in Rouen, including several located within walking distance from the quaysides and docks where the event will take place. Several park-and-ride facilities are also proposed.You can calculate your itinerary to Rouen here.